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SAVANNAH POSTPONES 


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HER ASCENSION 


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BY 

EMMA PETTY 

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PRICE 25 CENTS 



Eldridge Entertainment House 

Franklin, Ohio ^Bi Denver, Colo. 

944 So. Losan Street 



■J a ?N 



Some Bright New 

Christmas Material 



First Aid to Santa 

By Ethel Sexton. A mighty bright playlet for 3 boys, 
2 girls and 10 acting dolls (girls and boys). Plays 30 
or 40 minutes. Price, 25c. 

The Christinas Chain 

By Lillian Pearson. A pretty sketch for 14^ or more 
children. The Christmas Angel shows her complete 
Christmas Chain to two selfish sisters with happy re- 
sults. Plays about 20 minutes. Price 25c, 

How the Christmas Song Was Found 

By Lillian Pearson. A simple, but beautiful sketc? 
for any number of children, 12 required. Shows the 
real spirit of Christmas and tells how the glad 
Christmas song was found. Time, 20 to 30 minutes. 
For day schools or church entertainments. Price 25c. 

Mr. Richey Changes His Mind 

By Lee Owen Snook. Story of a crabbed, wealthy 
employer and how at Christmas time the memory of 
his mother changed his attitude toward his employes 
from that of a "driver" to a considerate comrade. An 
unexpected romance develops. 4 males, 4 females, 
and others, either high school or adults. Plays about 
20 minutes. Price, 25c. 

The Little Stranger 

A^moving picture Christmas play, by Edna Randolph 
Worrell. This is really a pantomime, the different 
scenes being either announced or shown on screen by 
stereopticon. 4 scenes "The Night Before Christ- 
mas Home of Orphan Children," "The Little Stran- 
ger at the Door," "The Little Stranger Entertains," 
"Christmas Morning;." A pretty entertainment for 
any number of children. Flays about 30 minutes. 25c. 

Ten Good Christmas Pantomimes 

By Ethel Eldridge. A collection that will add novelty 
and effectiveness to your program. Specific direc- 
tions for pantomiming some well-known hymns, songs 
and recitations — "Silent Night," ."Little Town of 
Bethlehem," "When Good Old Kris Comes 'Round," 
"Favorite Carols," etc. Contains the music also. 40c. 



Eldridge Entertainment House 

FRANKLIN, OHIO also DENVER, COLO. 

944 S. Logan St. 



^ 



Savannah Postpones 
Her Ascension 



By EMMA PETTY 



Copyright 1921, Eldridce Entertainment House 



0£C I9I92J 

ELDRIDGE ENTERTAINMENT HOUSE, 
Franklin, Ohio, also Denver, Colo. 






CAST OF CHARACTERS 

Savannah — ^the most unexcitable colored person in 
the settlement. 

Joe Brown — Savannah's husband. 

Pastor Scott — the preacher. 

Julia — the preacher's wife. 

Susie \ 

Liza ( Leading members of the 

QUie I colored congregation 

Harriet / ._ 

Max — Harriet's husband ' ' 

Elviry Ann — Liza's j2-year-old sick daughter. 
Elviry Ann is long, lank and Tnoumful. Her 
faded gingham dress has drawn wp until it 
scarcely covers her knees. She is habitually 
tragic. 

Chorus of unseen spectators. 



©CI.0 59421 



r^t 



Savannah Postpones Her Ascension 



SCENE I. 

(It is early in June and the seem opens in the hack 
yards of Susie and Liza. A rickety fence divides the 
back yards. Liza is hard at luork washing as the curtain 
goes up, hut Susie is just appearing.) 

Susie — Mighty fine sermon Brother Scott preach 
las* night. 

Liza — {between clothespins) Uh! 

Susie — Looks like Elviry Ann's goin' ter keep on 
chillin' all th'r' the meetin', so as yer'll never git t' go. 

Liza — It sure do seem hard. 'Tain't as if I wuz lak 
Savanny Brown what never has any stirrin' of the sper- 
rit. Her a-settin' there at meetin' cold an' stone-like, an' 
me at hum attendin' to Elviry an' a-longin' to be where 
all them visions an' overflowin's is a pourin' down from 
the Lawd. Guess Savanny's man, Joe, ain't never dared 
to shout yit? 

Susie — Lawd, yis! Las' night I seen him kinder 
jiquirmin' an' a-watchin' Savanny outer the corner of 
his eye, an' he ses, ses he, "Savanny, I'm a-goin' ovah.to 
de men's cornah a while," an' Savanny she ses, scornful 
like, "Guess yer wantin' ter git back there so as ter 
shout thout me seein' yer. Guess I never seen you las' 
night when yer was a-poundin' Harriet Jones on the 
back, huh? Guess 'twasn't you was a groanin' an' goin' 
on back there when the pastor's wife tole about her vi- 
sion! Vision, nothin! Sister Julie had a night mare— 
that's what she had, b'lieve me." Them's the very words 
Savanny said. 

3 



4 Savannah Postpones Her Ascension 

Liza — Aint it awful? 

Siisie' — ^Yas, sir, an' when Joe had done gone, I leans 
ovah and punches Savanny, an' ses, ses I, **Sistuh Sa- 
vanny, doesn't you ever feel the sperrit a-risin' up with- 
in yer — an' doesn't Almighty ever come along an' snatch 
away yer washtubs an' clotheslines an' chickens, an' ev- 
erything earthly and show yer the wonderful sights er 
heaven?" "No," ses Savanny, "I don' see as he does — 
an' I don' see how in the name er all that's high an' holy, 
you folks gits them there visions." She spoke scornful- 
like, but I never tuk no notice an' I ses, ''Well, hit's jes' 
this er-way — you thinks er somethin' you has hear tole 
about in the Bible — then you shets you eyes an' lets yer 
head go this er-way — an' then — an' then the vision 
comes, Savanny. I'se sorry if de Lawd don' sen' you 
none. 

Liza — Sen' Savanny Brown a vision? Well, I guess 
not! — an' her so plum hard-headed that she'd look the 
other way after Almighty gon' an' bin to the trouble to 
git it ready for her. I guess not! Well, if there ain't 
Harriet Jones, and Max comin' from meetin' a'ready — 
an' they is comin' in here. 

Stisie — Somethin's happened at meetin', You jjes' 
mark my word, 

Harriet Jonesr—Fer ther Lawd's sake — ^washin*" 
away on ther las' morn in' of ther meetin' — an' missin' 
all ther wonderful manerfestations er ther Lawd. Jes' 
yisterday Miss Mary she ses to me, "I jes' mus' have 
them clean clothes tomorrer," an' I ses, *'No, Miss Mary, 
the Lawd he done spuk f er tomorrer fust." Lawsie, think 
what I'^d er missed if I'd er stayed ter home an' washed! 
Susie — (leaving her tub) Whut happen, Harriet 
Jones ? Go back in that there house, Elviry Ann, and git 
under dem blankets. What happen, Harriet? 

Max — (eagerly J That's what we come ter tell yer. 

Harriet — Well, 'twuz dis way: der preacher he bin 

a-preachin' an' a-prayin', an' ther folks a groanin' an' a 

swayin' an' Sistuh Julyer she gits up an' tells her visioa^ 



Savannah Postpones Her Ascension 



an' Max he tells his'n, ?n' Mary Wood she tells hers, an' 
den Ollie, an' den Joe Brown he git up lookin' scared 
like at Savanny, an' he tells his'n — 

Liza — (excitedly J Whut did Savanny say — Wuz 
she plumb mad? 

Harriet — Jes' a minit, an' I'll git to that part. Yas^ 
sir, she set dere mum as a lam' an lookin' queerer an* 
queerer ever' minit — an' den — de Lawd strike me dead, if 
I. ain't tellin' the truth. ("Gazes with rapt look into space; 

S7isie — Hurry, Harriet, we is jes' dyiit' to know the 
res'. 

Max — (rubbing hip, hands together) We is comin' 
to hit, Susie. 

Harriet — Well, when Joe sits down, I looks over to 
see how Savanny's a-takin' it, an' bless my soul, there 
she sat a-swayin' this a-way an' that, an' mutterin' some- 
thing to herself, an' then while everbuddy was groanin* 
an' sayin' ''Amen," up hops Savanny, if ever I tole the 
truth — (Pauses, shakes her head, mops her brow.) 

Small voice behind the ivashiub — Please, Sistuh 
Harriet, please 'um, go on! 

Liza — Elviry Ann, you go right back to that house 
an' git under them blankits — you isn't through chillin' 
yit. We is listenin', Harriet. 

Max — We is comin" to ther stirrin' part, Liza. 

Harriet — As shore as I'm standin' here, up jumps 
Savannj^ Brown a-sayin "Brethrin', the Lawd hev sen' 
me a vision!" 

Susie — Goodness, sakes alive! 

Liza — De col'-hearted critter whut nevah have 
shouted in her life — her hev a vision — well, I never! 

Sicsie — But you hasn't tole us the vision. 

Harriet — As I was a-sayin', everthing wus deathlike 
still, then Savanny she begun like dis: "As I sits here, 
why suddenly the worl' an' the house, an' all, hit fades 
away, an' I sees a woman in a white dress risin' from de 
yerth, an' a flyin' straight up to de sky, an' I ses, *Who 



Savannah Postpones Her Ascension 



am dat woman?' An' a voice say, 'Dat woman am Sa- 
vanny Brown.' " Then she sets down, an' Joe he looks 
plumb wild-like an' de pastah calls out excited-like^ 
"When, Sistuh Savanny, when does yer fly from the 
earth? Jes' close yer eyes a minute an' see if yer don't 
see a date a hangin' m ther air?" Then Savanny she 
looks straight up at ther black board behind the pastor, 
an shets her eyes an' ses, "At three o'clock on the thu'- 
teenth of June." 

Susie — At three o'clock on the thuteenth of June I 
Why thet's when ther Sunday School Convention begins,, 
an' she done promise ter keep care of them four diligits 
a whole week. 

Harriet — (loftily) Well, if de Lawd say fo' Savan- 
ny ter fly I guess she'll have to go when he says, won't 
she? Guess it ain't fer her ter be parleyin' wid Al- 
mighty, about de date of her flyin'. 

Liza — Will we never see her no more? 

Harriet — (wisely) Yer never heard tell er anybud- 
dy seein' Ligah nor Moses, agin, did yer? 

Max — Isn't we goin' ter tell about my vision, Har- 
riet? 

Harriet — No, we isn't. Max Jones — you done had 
dat same vision ever' year for twenty years ! Come long 
hit's time to go. There goes Savanny an' Joe, now ("mo- 
tioning to an unseen lane, further on. Elviry slides by 
on her hands and knees while Harriet is speaking.) 

Voices in the distance — 

First Voice — There she goes! There goes ther 
woman whut's goin' ter fly ter heavin. 

Second Voice — Whoopee! I'm glad hit's her stid er 
me! 

Third Voice — Jim an' me's goin* ter sit on ther gate 
posts when de flyin' comes off. 

Fourth Voice — No, you isn't, me an' my brother,. 
Sam, is goin' ter set on 'em. 



Savannah. Postpones Her Ascension 



Small tearful voice — Please lemme by, Sam, lemme 
go. I jes' got ter ask Savanny somethin'. 

Liza — (as the group of on-stage speakers start in 
alarm in the direction of the voice) Somebuddy's mis- 
treatin' Elviry Ann — ^how'd she git by us? 

Elviry Ann — (off stage — wailing) Oh, ma, lemme 
go jes* a minute, I jes' got ter ask Savanny somethin'. 

Liza — Elviry Ann Heminv^ay, you go right home 
an' git under dem there blankets. 



CURTAIN 



SCENE II. 

(The curtain rises showing a large kitchen and 
dining room combined; the stove is behind a screen and 
is not seen. Savannah is stirring batter in grim silence. 
Joe is trying to read his Bible while he watches Savan- 
rmh out of the corner of his eye. Every few minutes 
Savannah seems to swell with some inward emotion. 
Several days have passed since the morning of the vi- 
sion; its glory is gone, leaving Savannah strangely de- 
pressed — filled with forebodings.) 

(A few seconds of silence.) 

Savannah — (snappishly) Well, Joe Brown, why 
isn't you readin' you' Bible? 

Joe — (meekly) Dat's whut I is a-doin', Savanny. 

Savannah — No, you isn't. I seen you a-countin' de 
pinches ob soda I put in dis yere batter. 

Joe — (hesitatingly) Well, Savanny, you see hit's 
like dis: if you goes fiyin' off an' I has to git my own 
meals, I — 

Savannah — Joe Brown, I tole you not to say nothin' 
more about dat dere fly in'. 

/oe— Seems lak I caint think of nothin' else. 



Savannah Postpones Her Ascension 



Savannah — Den don't think o' nothin' — 'twon't be 
much loss. (Another pause. Savannah^s inward com- 
motion seems steadily rising. She handles each article 
that she touches as though it tvere a gaping spectator 
at the scene of her flying and mentally wrings its neck.) 

(A knock at the door.) 

Joe — Come right in, OUie. 

Ollie- — I've come, bringin' you some chicken pie, be- 
in' as it's yours and Savanny's las" Sunday together. 

Savannah — (shortly, turning her back) Put hit on 
de table, Ollie, an' thank yo'. 

Joe — (conciliatingly) Hit's awful nice, Savanny. 

Savannah — Jes' leave hit on de table, wheah you 
foun' hit. 

(Pause) 

Ollie — (trying to break the uncomfortable silence) 
Guess I'll have to bring Joe ovah somethin' ever now an' 
den when you is gone, Savanny. 

Savannah — (still ivith back turned) When you goes, 
Ollie Smith, be sure to shet that screen door hard. De 
flies is awful bad dis summah. 

Ollie — Yas'm. (Exit.) 

Joe — 'Pears lak you is awful cross 'bout de subjick 
of your flyin', Savanny. 

(Silence. Savannah stirs vigorously.) 

(The door opens and Elviry Ann, long, lanky and 
tragic, slides in.) 

Savannah — (severely) Elviry Ann, whut yuh doin* 
outa bed an' yo' ma stay in' home from meetin' count o" 
yo' chillin'? 

Elviry Ann — (beginning to cry) I done had one fo* 
today — hones' I has. Dey comes on twixt ten and three 
an* now hit's mos' six. (Dries her eyes and rubs im- 
ploringly against Savannah, looking for all the world 
like a half-starved kitten.) 



Savanrvah Postpcmes Her Ascension 



Elviry Ann — Savaiiny, when you flies, you isn't a 
goin' to wear yo' red Sunday hat, is you? 

Savannah — Now, E]viry Ann, don' you git sassy. 

Elviry A. — {beginning to cry again) Well, ma, she 
says as how you is goin' to wear a wreath o' roses stid of 
a hat. 

Savannah — An' what if I does? 

Elviry A. — Well, if you flies off an' leaves that red 
hat behin' please caint I have it? — please — please? 

Savannah — (grimhj taking Elviry A. by the shoul- 
ders) Elviry Ann Heminway, ivhen I flies off an' 
leaves dat red hat, you kin have it — min' you — ivhen I 
flies off an' leaves hit. (Elviry A. ?> pushed out of the 
kitchen door.) 

Joe — Well, if heah don' come de pastor an' his 
wife. 

Savannah — (muttering ) More meddlin' niggahs ! 
Let *em in yo'self if you wants 'em. (They are admitted. 
Joe is effusive to onake up for Savannah's chilly wel- 
come.) 

Pastor — I wus jes' sayin' dat I saw Elviry Ann skin- 
nin' de back fence, an' she looked happy fo' de fust time 
since she was borned. 

Savannah — (aside) An' nuthin' to be happy about, 
neither. 

Julia — Whut you say Savanny ? 
Savannah — (shortly) Nuthin! 

(Pause.) 

Pastor — (clearing his throat) You see, Savanny, 
we thought today would be a good time to decide where 
you wus to fly f rum, an' Julie, she ses to me, as we cum 
up, **Dat dere stump by de souf window, dat's de 
very place to fly frum — what about hit, Sistuh Savanny? 

Savannah — Suits you, suits me, I reckin. 

Julia — An' Max he's a-comin' over at sun-up wid 'is 
stick to keep de niggahs frum crowdin' in de front yard 



10 Savannah Postpones Her Ascension 

an' not leavin' you room to git started. Dey is comin' fer 
miles aroun' {Silence.) an' Ollie, she tuk two of you' 
diligits an' Harriet she tuk de other two. 

Savannah — (startled into animation) Tuk my dil- 
igits — how come? 

PoMor — Why, Savanny, if you goes flyin' off de 
fust day of de convention, why Joe, he caint cut wood 
an' go to meetin' an' cook fo' diligits too, can he? 

(Silence.) 

Savanmah — Joe, you might be a-takin' de pasto' an' 
Julie out to look at dat tree stump, bein' as dat's whut 
dey come for, an' — 

Julia — We done look at hit as we come up, Savanny. 

Savannah — An' bein' as hit's gettin' late an' you' 
supper not done, an' you a-wantin' to git to sleep early, 
an' de pasto' an' Julie wantin' to git along befo' meetin' 
time — (Exeunt Joe, Pastor and Julia.) Come in at de 
kitchen door when you gits through, Joe — supper'll be 
waitin'. 

Savannah — (hanging the salt cellar down on the 
table) Flyin' — flyin' — fly in' — nobuddy caint talk 'bout 
nuthin' but de flyin'. (Lifts a chair and bangs it on the 
floor out of her way.) Takin' my diligits, an' me de 
bes' cook in de congregashun ! (Breaking down.) An' I 
caint fly, nohow. Leas'wise no higher'n' Joe's ole blue 
hen. Lowd, I isn't even sure now dat I seen dat date 
a-hangin' in de air ; seems lak it jes' come a tricklin' into 
my head frum somewheres. I doesn't know where. Whut 
shall I do ? I caint fly a tall ! I done tride hit dis mawn- 
in' off de end of de kitchen table. (Rocking back and 
forth.) Lawsy, help me in de time of my affliction. 

CURTAIN 



Savannah Postpones Her Ascension 11 



SCENE III. 

(Exterior of a house, suggested by tivo windows, 
ivhich can he made of paper and pinned to the back cur- 
taiii. There is nc fence visible and a large tree stump 
stands near one window. Max is on sentry duty and 
waves stick repeatedly ioioard some intruders, just out 
of sight. The tree stump is sivathcd in white and Susie 
is decorating it with flo2vers and greens.) 

Choriis — Quit pushin'L Look out dere! I got heah 
fust! 

Max — Git of fen dat fence — 'tain't time fo' de fly in' 
yit! 

(Enter Ollie) 

Ollie — I foun' a wire at las'; now I kin make dat 
wreath. (Begins to make a tvreath of leaves and white 
roses.) 

Susie — (with her mouth full of pins) Now how does 
'at look? 

Ollie and Harriet — (luho has just entered, rolling 
her youngest in a baby buggy.) Fine, Susie! 

Susie — Jes' roll de baby in de shade, Harriet, an'' 
come help wid dis here flyin' stump. Right 'roun' dere 
hit needs some mo' roses. Liza, she couldn' come help, 
lak she promise', cause Elviry Ann, she's a-chillin' agin. 
Lan's sake, dere'.-^ Liza, now. 

Liza — (apologetically) I jes' tuk Elviry Ann, in 
wid a extra blankit. an' lef her fo' a little while. Hit's 
mos' time for Savanny to fly, ain't it? Whut's she got 
all her windows down fo' on a hot day like dis? 

Susie — Sh-h-h! Savanny's been actin' mighty 
queer-like today. Folks say she started off down de road 
dis mawnin* 'fo' it was light, but sakes alive, the niggahs 
had already begun to gather roun' de back fence to be 
shore to git a good place to see de flyin', an' dey jes' fol- 
lered her, spite of all her growlin' ; so she gits an* comes 



12 Savannah Postpones Her- Ascension 



home, an' shets de doors an' winders, an' de pastah an' 
his wife lak to nevah got in. 'Pears lak Savanny she 
ain't wantin' to fly. 

Max—Who's back dere 'hind dem bushes? 

Liza — Well, it do beat all! Eiviry Ann, you git 
right back home an' git under dem blankits. Ain't you 
'shamed, an' you not through chillin' yit? (Exit Eiviry 
Ann, sniffling.) 

(Sounds from the house. Sava/nnah's voice is heard 
through the ivindow.) 

Savannah — ( sulkily j I isn't shore dis is de day, 
nohow. De Lawd he isn't sed nuthin' mo' 'bout it. 

Pastor — (sternly) Almighty, he don' command but 
onct. 

Voices from the fence — (speakers unseen) 

First Voice — Dere ain't room fo' no mo', on dis here 
side. 

Second Voice — ^Jes' look how hit's a-bendin' over. 

Third Voice — Lan' sake, dere's a hund'ed mo' comin'. 

Fourth Voice — Down de road. 

Fifth Voice — I nevah see so many folks in my life. 

(General murmuring.) 

Julia — (from within) Whah's yo' ascinshun robe, 
Savanny ? 

Savannah — (sulkily) Ain't got none. 

Julia — Den I'll jes' run over to de church an' git one 
o' dem new white baptismal robes. (Silence tvithin the 
house again.) 

Susie — Hit's a pity for dat new baptismal robe to 
go up. I worked three hours makin' one. 

Ollie — (soothingly) Well .hit's de las' one Savanny'Il 
need. 

Liza — Hit's two minutes to three. 

Susie — Sh-h-h! (A moment of waiting.) 

Liza — (in a whisper) Dey is comin'. 



Savmiyiah Postpones Her Ascension 13 



Pastor — to Max} Don't let dem folks come no 
closer, Savanny may need some room to git started. 
Max — {ivaving stick) Dontcha climb dat fence. 

(Enter Sava7inah, looking ivorn and rebellious, clad 
in the ascension robe. On one side is Joe, ivild-eyed with 
terror; on the other side is the pastor, proud and ex- 
alted; behind comes the pastor's wife, bearing Ollie's 
wreath. They solemnly approach the flying post. Max, 
Ollie, Liza, Susie and Harriet wait breathlessly.) 

Pa.stor — Kneel, Sistuh Savanny! {Savannah kneels 
and receives the wreath.) 

Pastor — (portentiou^ly I Rise, Sistuh Savanny, 
rise ! 

(Savannah rises and with the help of several is 
hoisted to the stump.) 

Pastor — Fly, Sistuh Savanny, fly — an' Almighty 
hop "up yo' wings. (^He raises his hands in exaltation, 
and the others do likewise, save Joe, who ivHrigs his. Sa- 
vannah gives one flap. Spectators gyoan. Another flap. 
A louder groan. Then Savannah shuts her eyes and 
saetus about to spring. Joe sinks to his knees and covers 
his eyes.) 

Spectators — (as one great chorus) Fa'well, Sistuh 
Savannv! Fa'well! Fa'well! 

c 

Pa.stor — Shet yo' eyes bretherin lestwise de Lawd 
look down when he part de heavins, an' His face blind 
you. 

(Savannah gives one wild flap and a desper'ate 
spying and soars only to descend, and the ascensiori robe 
catching on the stump, draws back leaving Savannah 
sliding to the ground. The robe pulls back to her knees, 
and the remaining distance to her feet is filled out by 
red-striped stockings. She is dazed and stares glassily 
at the tges of her shoes.) 

Spectators — (regaining their breath, their eyes 
still shid, their hands still extended toward the parting 
heavens.) Fa'well, Sistuh Savanny, fa'well — fa'well! 



14 Savannah Postpones Her Ascension 

(About the time Savannah gives her spring, Elviry 
Ann's head appears at the window, from within th^ 
house, her eyes shut tight; she smiles rapturously and on 
her head rocks the coveted red hat. She rubs her hands 
together in an intoxication of joy. As the last fareioell 
■dies away, she opens her eyes toward heaven, and as they 
travel doivn to earth she discovers Savannah seated at 
the foot of the stump.) 

Elviry Ann — (wailing and wringing her hands as 
she sways back and forth) Oh, me! Oh-h-h, me! She 
ain't a-goin' a tall ! She's jes' a-settin' dere on de groun' 
by dat oV stump. She ain't a-goin' ;] tall. Boo hoo, hoo! 

(The spectators lower their hands, open their eyes 
and stare down at Savannah who still looks at her toes 
loith unseeing eyes.) 

Elviry Ann — Boo-hoo-hooooo ! 

{Savannah rises slowly, ominously, on her all-fours; 
all the pent-up wrath of iveeks surges up in one big 
wave, she pulls herself up tvhile the crowd looks on fas- 
cinated.) 

Savannah — (to Elviry Ann) You long, lanky wea- 
sel of a sick niggah; you go put my bonnit back in de 
box where you foun' hit! I ses to you: "You kin have 
my red hat when I flies off an' leaves hit ; when I flies 
off/' an' I ain't gone yit. 

Chorus on fence- — Law no! Hee-hee-hee! 
(Giggles grow louder.) 

Pastor — (raising his hand) Silence, bretherin! 
Sistuh Savannah, whut do dis mean? 

Savannah — (furiously) Whut do hit mean? (shak- 
ing her fist.) Whut do hit mean? It means de Lawd he 
nevah say I got to fly up fo' keeps, de fiist time. He say, 
"Fly, Savanny," an' ain't I done flew? An' if I isn't flew 
high 'nuff to suit yx)u, you take yo' robe an' fly you own 
self. (She snatches off the robe, leaving a plain ging- 
ham dress beneath. Tosses wreath to Julia.) An' you 
kin take that an' go 'long wid 'im. Dere's yo' stump a- 



Savannah Postpones Her Ascefision 15 



waitin'. De time when I flies up fo' keeps am indefinite- 
ly postpone! (Moves majestically to the house and El- 
viry Ann, ivith a loiid shriek, rushes out.) 

Liza — Come 'long wid me, Elviry Ann — worryin' 
yo' pore oV mother into her grave. 

Elviry Ann — She ain't a-goin' to fly a tall — boo-hoo- 
hoo-hoo! I'll have to wear Pa's ol' straw hat de res' o' 
my days. 

(The crowd begins to go out in stately silence. Har- 
riet and Ollie go over and snatch their linen from the 
stump. Exeunt all except Joe, who still stands looking 
at the spot where Savannah lately sat. He rubs his hands 
perplexedly, as the others file out. Then he smiles hope- 
fully and goes to the windoiv and peers in.) 

Joe — (in loud whisper) Savanny! (No answer.) 

Joe — (louder) Savanny! 

Savanny — (crossly) What ? 

Joe — Savanny, you git suppah after while an' I'll 
jes' step over an' fetch dem dere diligits over. (No an- 
swer.) 

Joe — An' 'spose I tells Elviry Ann to run in tomor- 
row an' git dat red hat, 'cause yo' done wore it five yeahs 
an' 1 is saved up de money to buy dat putty one in de 
shop window whut you wanted all summah. 

Savannah — (milder) Huh ! 

Joe — (more conciliating than ever) An' Savanny, de 
fust thing, I'm goin' to put on my ever-day britches an' 
go down to de fiel' an' git us dat big watermillin. 

Savannah — All right, honey, hurry up! I hasn't et 
nuthin' today. 



CURTAIN 



!f^ 



Clever New Monologs 
and Recitations 

Monologs of Merit 

This we believe a splendid collection for elocution- 
ists or for schools. Contains many of the darky 
sketches of Blanche Goodman which do not appear in 
the "Viney Sketches." Some novelty readings by 
Lydia McGaughey are "The White-wash Angel," "A 
Pair of Boots," "Robert Joins the A. H. T. A.," "Rob- 
ert and the Auto," "Seven, Seventeen and Seventy," 
"In Grandma's Day," and others. Complete volume, 
75c. 

Help-U Dialog and Recitation Book 

By various authors and a real help to the teacher. 
Here are some of the dialogs: "A Strike Mother Goose 
Settled," "Casey's Twins," "A Lesson in Politeness," 
"Program for Roosevelt's Birthday," "Boy Wanted," 
"Helping Santa Claus," "Aunt Phoebe's Nervas," and 
many others. These are for all grades up to gram- 
mar. An abundance of choice recitations for all the 
grades. Price 40c. 

Merry Rhymes of Little Folks' Times 

By Margaret A. Fassitt. In this collection of choice 
little gems we present 40 short poems which are real 
"Kiddie" talk. They can be used as recitations by 
little people or as child impersonations by adults. By 
the way, they will make good reading for mothers 
and fathers at any time. "The Red Head," "Reflec- 
tions of a Pup," "I Wish I Had a Ginger Cake," 
"When You Ask About Your Fixin's," "Our Tv/ins," 
and many others will make you laugh. Price, 40c. 

Comforting Her Patient 

By Mrs. W. M. Carruth. Tells how an "impractical" 
nurse unloads her own and others' troubles on her 
helpless patient. A good number. Price 15c. 

Gossip in Slowville 

By E. Haskell. Depicts the sayings of the village gos- 
sip and makes a very effective reading. Price 15c. 

The Spinsterhood of Mary 

A humorous number by Rhoda Barclay. Tells of 

Mary's resolve to live and die an old maid and her 
sudden change of mind. Price, 15c. 

Mrs. Swattem Attends the Convention 

This monolog by Rhoda Barclay is an account of the 
many complaints of Mrs. Swattem while at the con- 
vention. Her sharp tongue wags industriously, i€ 
not truthfully. Price, 15c. 

Eldridge Entertainment House 

FRANKLIN, OHIO also DENVER, COLO. 

944 S. Logan St. 



New Juvenile Entertainments 

A-B-C-Capers 

By Soemple. Here is an attractive and novel number 
for the Primary Grades or Kindergarten. Little Tim's 
despair in not being able to master letters is turned 
to keen interest by the antics of the alphabet troupe. 
Plays about 20 minutes. Price, 25c. 

Emily's Dream 

By Mary Frix Kidd. This is the story of a Geogra- 
phy lesson, which, instead of being irksome, was, 
through the medium of a Good Fairy, made very in- 
teresting. This is done by presenting a Geographical 
Pageant. For a large number of children, who pre- 
sent drills, exercises, etc., in costumes of different 
nations. Time, about 1 hour. Price, 25c. 

The Love Flower 

By Bell Elliott Palmer. A very pretty exercise for 6 
or 10 girls and 1 boy. Suitable for Children's Day or 
Easter, and can be given either in or out of doors. 
Time, 10 minutes. Price, 15c.* 

The Silver Sandals 

By Banche Thompson. Ths is a charming new play 
for 6 boys, 5 girls, fairies, peasants, attendants, etc. 
The Princess is downhearted and refuses to be con- 
soled. The fiddler plays, peasants do folk-dances, fai- 
ries drill, but not until she gets the silver sandals is 
y she contented. Plays 1 hour or more. Price, 25c. 

When Betty Saw the Pilgrims 

By Margaret Howard. A pretty story showing how 
dissatisfied Betty was cured by her mother, who tells 
the story of the hardships of the Pilgrims, which is 
illustrated by ten tableaux. Large numbers of chil- 
dren can be used. Plays about 30 minutes. Price, 
2Sc. 

Princess Rosy Cheeks 

By Effie Sammond Balph. A "good healA" play for 
children, which is very impressive. Introduces Fresh 
Air Fairies, Soap and Water Fairies, Tooth Brush 
Brigade, Food Fairies, Rest Fairies, and others. Good- 
sized cast required with two older children. Plays 
about 1 hour. Price, 35c. 

Queen Loving Heart 

By Jean Ross. A splendid children's play, teachmg 
many good lessons. A pretty story of the crowning of 
Loving Heart, her capture by the Indians and sub- 
sequent release, because of her kindness. C^ be used 
for May Day play. 11 speaking parts, Indians, etc- 
Plays about 45 minutes. Pric e, 25c. 

Eldridge Entertainment House 

FRANKLIN, OHIO also ^^^I^^gS^S^! 



LIBRftRY OF CONGRESS 



ra 




017 401 073 



YOU WIU BE GUD TO KNOW OF 

THESE NEW PLAYS 



Training Mary 



By Mary Shaw Page. A bright 1 -act play with sim- 
ple stage setting. William, husband of Mary, essays 
to train Mary, especially along the lines of correcting 
carelessness. As is always the case, William .^ets in 
deep water, but finally wadss out. 2 males, 4 fe- 
males, and plays about 45 minutes. Price, 25c. 



The Hired Man's Courtship 



By Alice Cripps. A short comedy-drama in 2 acts. 
Captain Edwards tires of wealth and the city, and 
procures work on Horton's farm, only to find that the 
farmer's daughter is an old sweetheart. Because of 
an intrigue on the part of the captain's cousin, an es- 
trangement takes place, which ends happily when the 
captain finds the source of certain stories and re- 
futes them. Aunt Hepsey, Jim and Ezra (colored), 
add comedy to , the play. Plays about 45 minutes, 
and is for 3 males and 3 females. Price, 25c. 



Merely Anne Marie 



A conaedy in 3 acts by Beulah King, ,3 males, 5 fe- 
males. Time, 2V2 hours. The scenes are laid in a 
fashio^nable boarding house, and the characters are all 
distinct types and worth while. A successful play- 
wright, desiring to escape notoriety, seeks seclusion 
at Mr Si Teague'^s and becomes the hero of Anne Ma- 
rie, the dining room maid. The dialogue is bright, 
the situations clever and the story ends happily. 35c- 



A Bit of Scandal 



By Fannie Barnett Linsky. Comedy-drama in 2 acts. 
Francina, who^ is to play at the recital, coinposes her 
own number. On the evening of the recital, Mary 
Sherman, w^ho precedes her on the program, plays 
Francina's compositions, which she has stolen. The 
reasons for the theft all come out later and of course, 
all ends well. Nine characters- Plays ^bout 1 bour. 
Price, 35c. 

Miss Burnett Puts One Over 

By Etheiyn Sexton. A rollicking 1-act giris' play for 
6 characters. Barbara's mother has a friend, Ann Bur- 
nett, who is to visit the girls at college, with the in- 
tention of giving a generous sum to the school. The 
girls, wishing o gain her good w^ill, practice their 
"manners." Miss Burnett, however, appears in dis- 
guise and has much fun at their expense. All ends 
well and the school gets the money. Plays about 45 
minutes. Easy setting and costumes. Price, 25c. 

Eldridge Entertainment House 

FRANKLIN, OHIO also DENVER, COLO. 

944 S. Logan St. 



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